20 Myths About Private Assessments For ADHD: Dispelled
The Quality of Private ADHD Assessments Has Come Under Questioning
A BBC Panorama investigation has recently revealed the quality of private clinic ADHD assessment under scrutiny. This revealed how an undercover reporter was diagnosed with ADHD at three different private clinics, even though he had a more detailed face-to-face NHS examination that concluded he did not have the condition.
Yet many patients are forced to obtain private diagnostics and treatments due to the long NHS waiting lists. But how do private assessments function?
What is a Private Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment starts with a thorough clinical interview. It can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video link. The psychologist or psychiatrist who is assessing you will also complete an extensive medical history. They may conduct additional tests such as neuropsychological tests to provide insight into your strengths, weaknesses and any comorbidities that you may have.
During your examination your doctor will discuss how your symptoms affect your life and determine the best treatment for you. It could be medication or CBT therapy, but each person is different, so it's essential to find the best fit for you.
Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists and other professionals are experts in the diagnosis of adults with ADHD. Our clinics have been certified by NHS England's 'Right To Choose' legislation which gives you the legal right to seek specialist mental health treatment outside of your GP practice. This is a huge benefit because the NHS can have very long waiting times.
Untreated ADHD can cause major problems in the personal and professional lives of many people. This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and wellbeing. If not treated, ADHD can cause anxiety or depression. This is the reason we believe that a private adult ADHD assessment is so valuable as it will assist you in obtaining the answers you need much sooner, and find the best solution for you.
If you are diagnosed, you can return to your GP to sign what is referred to as a "shared care agreement". The psychiatrist or psychologist who diagnosed you will write to your GP with a form for you to sign that states that you're returning to their treatment. You will then be able to go back to your GP for follow up appointments and ongoing treatment.
It's important to keep in mind that only a psychiatrist or psychologist who is a specialist in the field can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication. Other mental health professionals, like psychologists, can carry out an assessment for ADHD however they are unable to prescribe medication.
Benefits of a Private Assessment
Many who seek an individual ADHD assessment do so because they are tired of waiting for years for an NHS referral to get diagnosed. This can be especially frustrating for adults who have experienced the damage that untreated ADHD causes to their professional life, relationships, and financial security.
Private assessments are often much shorter than NHS assessments and can be performed at a time to accommodate the needs of the client. Some clinics also provide flexible payment plans or accept insurance as a method of payment. The cost of a private examination will vary from provider service, therefore it is important to shop around and locate a clinic that meets your needs and budget.
A psychologist or psychiatrist will conduct a private ADHD assessment, since they are the only healthcare professionals who is qualified to diagnose ADHD. They are trained to observe, talk to and administer psychometric tests that evaluate ADHD symptoms. The assessment process will include questionnaires to determine whether you show enough signs of ADHD and observations at school and home (if appropriate) as well as a comprehensive psychological assessment and an examination of your family's mental health history.
Psychologists can also recognize comorbid disorders that may coexist with ADHD, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can have a significant impact on the health of a person and reduce the necessity for GPs prescribing other medications.
After a diagnosis has been made, the clinician will then suggest treatments and suggest ways to control symptoms, for example education, assistance at home or in the workplace, exercise, diet and lifestyle modifications. If medication is prescribed, a shared-care agreement may be required between the GPs and patients.
It is important to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD can result in severe and lasting problems, including criminal activity, substance abuse and even a reduction in life longevity. Untreated ADHD can have a similar impact as untreated Type 2 Diabetes in middle age. It is therefore vital that patients receive the support and help they need.
What to Expect During a Private Assessment
If you suspect you have ADHD, or think your child might be suffering from ADHD, scheduling an evaluation could be overwhelming. Once you've got an appointment set you can breathe a sigh relief.
It is crucial to choose a specialist with training in ADHD assessment. They are medical professionals, generally psychiatrists or psychologists. They will discuss your symptoms and history and conduct a clinical exam. They will also ask you to fill out one or more of the standard behavior rating scales which are based on research comparing behaviors of people with and without ADHD.
The results of these assessments will be discussed with you at the consultation. Depending on the outcome of your examination you could receive a diagnosis of ADHD or a related issue such as depression, anxiety and learning disabilities as well as alcohol and drug abuse or other mental health problems. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you and your psychiatrist will discuss the options for treatment. In general, it is advised that a prescribed medication regimen be paired with specialist coaching. This approach has been proven to be the most effective method of managing symptoms of clients suffering from ADHD.
Get suggestions from your patients or healthcare professionals you trust when selecting a psychiatrist or a psychologist to conduct your assessment. Verify the specialist's professional certification, academic qualifications and the experience of treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Your appointment will be scheduled and confirmed once you have completed the pre-screening questionnaires. After you have scheduled an appointment, these forms will be accessible on your portal dashboard. iampsychiatry.uk must be returned to your clinician by a certain date. They are crucial to the appointment as your doctor will not be able to meet you until the forms have been approved and reviewed.
It is important to be completely honest in your assessment with the psychiatrist or psychologist performing the assessment. This will allow them arrive at a precise diagnosis and identify the most effective treatment plan for you. It is also essential to discuss your symptoms and how they affect your life. For instance, if have trouble keeping track of your finances, or completing tasks at work or home, you will want to mention that to the practitioner.
What to Expect Following a Private Assessment
A private assessment will begin with a clinical interview that concentrates on the symptoms and medical history. In this phase, it is important that the person being evaluated be honest and forthcoming and not hide information due to feelings of shame or fear of being judged. This is because the accuracy of the evaluation and treatment recommendations will depend on the quality of the information that is provided.
It is also typical for the psychiatrist to request the patient to fill out an assessment. This is designed to help the doctor identify and assess the severity of adult ADHD such as impulsivity and inattention. The psychiatrist will ask the patient about the symptoms and how they've impacted their lives. They will also discuss their relationships with others.
Many private assessments will include an immediate family member or friend for collateral information. This is because the psychiatrist wants to know if the patient's symptoms affect them at home or in stressful work situations. It can be difficult to gauge the impact of these symptoms when a patient is not with psychiatrist. This is why someone who knows them very well can be a valuable source of feedback.
Certain professionals may employ additional tools during an assessment, such as cognitive tests, or a neuropsychological test. These tests can provide an extensive picture of the individual's strengths and weaknesses and help the doctor determine any comorbid conditions which could be causing their symptoms.
Report writing is usually the final phase of an evaluation. The report should include the diagnosis and the treatment plan, if needed. The report will also provide suggestions on how to manage ADHD symptoms and improve performance at work, school and home.
If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, a private assessment could be a great option. The NHS can identify ADHD, but the waiting times are long. Private assessments can be more efficient and you can select your individual specialist. This can make the process less stressful.